In a stunning development, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Abdullahi Ganduje, has resigned with immediate effect, citing health reasons.

Naijaonpoint reports that Ganduje’s abrupt departure triggered shock among staff and visitors at the party secretariat, with his aides reportedly clearing his office belongings on Friday.

Ganduje attributed his decision to declining health, stating he needed to prioritise his well-being. However, party insiders suggest a deeper motive tied to internal power calculations.

A party source who spoke on the development with Vanguard said, “A lot of people are scheming to be picked as running mate to President Tinubu in 2027. Many of the names being touted are from the North West. If eventually the slot is taken to the North West, the party chairman will definitely have to come from another place.

“Do not also forget that the position of national chairman was actually officially zoned to the North Central. So, we are likely to see the emergence of a new chairman from the North Central.”

Following the resignation, Bukar Dalori, the Deputy National Chairman (North), has been appointed Acting National Chairman, in accordance with Section 14(2)(iii) of the APC constitution, which stipulates that a deputy assumes leadership if the national chairman steps down.

Internal speculation suggests that former Governor of Nasarawa State, Senator Umar Tanko Almakura, is a strong contender for the next full-time chairman, particularly if the seat shifts to the North-Central zone.

Ganduje’s tenure, which began in August 2023, faced significant headwinds. He encountered court suspensions, including an April 2024 Kano High Court injunction barring him from representing the party, and a Federal High Court order rejecting efforts to unseat him.

Sources suggested that political tensions within the party may have compounded Ganduje’s decision to leave.